Unboxing The Pilot Pensemble Pen Case

[whitedot]

Here ends my long search for an affordable, leather 3 to 4-pen case with a slot for business cards. Montblanc, Visconti and Conway Stewart produced cases in the approximate format a few years ago.

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Montblanc-Meisterstueck-Pen-Holder-leather-case-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/mKIAAOxyNExSM-ja/$(KGrHqVHJBkFIV4vdS!1BSM-jZyGfg~~60_12.JPG?rt=nc

 

But, the pen companies have taken upon themselves to discontinue what would clearly be a popular item. This pretty beat-up example from Dubai attracted 27 bids and fetched US$180.

 

The Pilot Pensemble line is the cheaper brother of Pilot x Somes. The pen wraps and cases come in two finishes - black leather lined with grey pig suede and brown leather lined with beige big suede. Mine is in the latter. It was purchased on Taobao at Pilot's list price, 6000 YEN or 60 USD, and shipped for free to compensate for a dog-eared outer box.

 

Here it is, in a sturdy cardboard box with silver lettering.

 

 

http://i39.tinypic.com/23sdavl.jpg

 

Dustbag.

 

http://i42.tinypic.com/2irt842.jpg

 

The leather is pleasant, soft and textured. But, it is quite thin, and stiffened by a layer between the exterior and lining.

 

http://i40.tinypic.com/30i9f1d.jpg

 

My phone cannot capture the colour correctly. It is a very dark, chocolate brown, with the slightest, faintest hint of red. Both the exterior and interior are veggie tanned.

 

http://i40.tinypic.com/radxy1.jpg

 

Here is my biggest gripe: The pig suede is stiffened, and the fabric underside is not smooth where it comes into contact with pens. Will one of my beloved MB 146s be scratched?

 

http://i43.tinypic.com/2wqqrl0.jpg

 

 

http://i40.tinypic.com/20t49y8.jpg

 

 

At 60 USD shipped, it was good value. If the fabric proves to be safe, it would get full marks.

Edited September 25, 2013 by whitedot

[pelman]

looks very nice. Thank you.

[hari317]

how big are the suede tubes? can they hold a 149 comfortably?

[whitedot]

how big are the suede tubes? can they hold a 149 comfortably?

 

I will post an update when my sole 149 is back, which should be very soon.

[bogiesan]

the coolest thing about the Dubai example is the windows in the pen tubes. My pens are all Sheaffer Imperials. They all have the same caps, more or less, so the only way I know which pen I want to draw out and use is if I can see the barrel. I have modified some of my pen cases and rolls to include the window.

[Calamus plasticus]

Whitedot, you may like to take a look to this case (http://www.engeika.com/product/507 ). Of course no affiliation with the seller.

I own one. I think it is not real leather, but they are very close to the old good Visconti cases. They have satin inside and the slots are very very soft, not stiff at all. A Mb 146 can be confortable in the tubes; a 149 will be a little tight, but it fits (at least in mine it does). They are good for the money...